Flaxseed Oil Vs Fish Oil
To sort out the debate of flaxseed oil vs fish oil, there are three facts that will help you to decide which is the best for your health. Some have strongly agreed that fish is a better source of Omega-3. Others may say that flaxseed is the only source all your body needs. Read on to find out how these two are compared:
1. Omega-3 Contents
These two are the richest natural sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. The Omega-3s that come from marine animals (example here is fatty fish) are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). While the Omega-3 that can be found from plants (example here is flaxseed) is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Human body cannot produce all of these Omega-3 fatty acids. But ALA may be converted to EPA from the intake of ALA-rich food or dietary supplements. Conversion of EPA to DHA may not be readily happened in our body, as two more carbon bonds have to be added. Thus, it is difficult to convert ALA to DHA.
2. Health Benefits
Flaxseed fatty acids are said to possess cholesterol-lowering properties. Some studies show that they can help to reduce inflammation, prevent cardiovascular disease and arrhythmia. But there are other studies demonstrate no significant reduction of stroke and heart disease risk, when the subjects were prescribed with placebo.
More researches conclude that Omega-3 from fatty species is effective to reduce chronic inflammation. It is also proven to have substantial health benefits like lowering the level of triglycerides and blood pressure, and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. But there are some concerns of contaminant ingestion.
3. Drawbacks and Concerns
As mentioned, the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is not likely to take place in our body. By just taking flaxseed products may not be enough to maintain the level of DHA and EPA. The elderly and people who suffer from diabetes will not be able to convert ALA to these two Omega-3 fatty acids by their own body.
EPA and DHA can be directly supplied from fatty fish, but the contaminant level can be very high. Increased intake of contaminants will definitely risk your health. Our body takes an extensive period of time to expel them especially mercury. This should not be a concern if the product is purified with molecular distillation.
When it comes to flaxseed oil vs fish oil, fish oil is undoubtedly a better source of Omega-3, considering that all the contaminants have been removed to the safest level. If you are on a vegetarian diet and with optimum health condition, flaxseed oil is a possible option for you to maintain the body need of EPA and DHA.
About the Author:
Find out more on the benefits of fish oil now.
Raymond Tsen is a researcher, who discovers the most effective way to improve your health by replenishing your body needs of Omega-3 with the purest fish oil supplements. To learn more on the transparent facts of their benefits achieving healthier life, visit http://www.fish-oil-health-benefits.com/
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Flaxseed Oil Vs Fish Oil – 3 Facts That Help You to Determine the Best